History of Libraries in Colorado and Beyond

Join Pikes Peak Library District in commemorating National Library Week with a look back at the history of Colorado libraries. Colorado’s early library laws capitalized on the wave of Carnegie philanthropy in the 1890s, creating the legal and financial framework that allowed cities across the state to construct and sustain Carnegie libraries. John Jarrell, Program Coordinator in Regional History & Genealogy, will explore how state legislation and local initiative worked hand in hand with Andrew Carnegie’s funding model to transform library service in Colorado and shape the foundations of today’s public library system.

The presentation will also include historic photographs—inside and outside Colorado libraries more than 100 years ago—offering a vivid glimpse into the spaces, architecture, and communities that defined the state’s early public library movement.

This program is being offered to commemorate the Colorado 150 and US 250 anniversaries.